Black and White or 50 Shades of Grey

Recently, conversations with Meebs have been really interesting. I find the toddler brain incredibly intriguing.

Warning…not sure how to make this post more politically correct! One of Meebs’ favourite books is a Fisher Price Little Peoples’ Halloween book…speaking of politically correct; how does FP get away with a whole series of books, toys and tv shows called Little People???

Anyway, there are tons of flaps to open and it takes us through preparations for Halloween and trick or treating. We often dream up ideas about our costumes for next year. According to Meebs, she will be a princess; I will be an “astrodot” (astronaut); and, Daddy will be anything from a ladybug to a cowboy to a dragon. I personally think he would make a smokin’ cowboy, and the ropes might come in handy at our after-hours party…

… Ok 50 Shades fantasy break over, and back to my story… There are lots of children in the book, representing many ethnicities. This has been a great launching pad for conversations about skin colour and diversity. Meebs is fascinated with the dark-skinned children in the book. I’m guessing that this is what prompted her to ask, “Mamma, do you have a black baby in your tummy?” First of all…yup, that’s right, we’re expecting baby #2 in June!

Before I could stop myself, I burst out laughing. Meebs’ question caught me off guard and was about the last thing I expected her to ask. I explained that, “No, mommy is having a white baby. Daddy is white and Mommy is white, so our baby will be white, just like you.” More for my own sake than hers, I continued, “Mommy will be in trouble if our baby is born with dark skin.” In her wheels-ever-turning mind, Meebs then asked, “Mommy will get a time-out?” Oh boy, a time-out would be getting off easy!

Unfortunately, our thoughtful discussion about ethnicity and diversity has become an outdoor-voice descriptor for Meebs to communicate what we are having…”There’s a white baby girl in mommy’s tummy!” I’m still trying to decide how to manage this unique situation. I cherish Meebs’ curiousity, and her interest stems from the most innocent place… somehow I need to emphasize that it doesn’t matter so much whether the baby is black, white or one of 50 shades of grey, but rather that she is healthy and will be part of our family regardless of her appearance.